Bookcase.



PATBNTED JUNE 2 1903. E. VON DER GROBBBN.

BOOKGASE.

Arrmourx'ox FILED MAY 14. 1902. IIOUMODEL. g; JWU 7/1 WIT h WE; W TT an d 4 I MH J Ir wentor. j

Witnesses- 4+ 6 Atty.

rTED STATES v Patented June 2, 1903.

PATENT OFFICE.

. eo o KCAS E.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 729,859, dated June 2, 1903.

Application filed May 14, 1902. Serial No. 107,232. (No model.)

To (ZZZ whom it flea/y concern:

Be it known that I, Enron VON DER Gnoc- BEN, a citizen of Germany, residing at Berlin, Germany, have invented certain new and usef ullmprovements in Bookcases; and I do hereby declare the following to be a full, clear, and exact description of the invention, such as will enable others skilledin the artto which it appertains to make and'use the same, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, and to the letters of reference marked thereon, which form a part of this specification.

Cases for books, files, libraries, and so on have generally the drawback of not allowing a sufficient utilization of the space occupied. Other pieces of furniture destined for storing prints or papers are generally so constructed as to always allow access to the whole contents While it is only intended to inspect or to withdraw a single book'or the like. drawbacks have up to now not been considered and overcome.

The present invention relates to a cupboard or case for books or the like which does away withthe drawbacks above mentioned and essentially simplifies and facilitates the ar rangement and use of the books or other contents.

In the drawings, Figures 1 and 2 show two different constructions of a case in'vertical section, and Fig. 3 is a front of the cupboard shown in Fig. 1.

In a frame or shell or are arranged one or more stands or cases b, capable of being removed or withdrawn. The front wall of the case acts as a cover or closing-wall of the cupboard, while the otherwall fits when the case is closed against the rear wall of the stand. In these cases the books are arranged in similar manner as in ordinary cases. However, as the cases are inserted into the cupboard with their narrow side outermost the backs ing advantages: Space is utilized to the ut-, most, since instead of the two rows of books arranged behind one another, as is usual in all libraries for the purpose of better utiliz- These rails '6.

ing the space without, however, allowing an easy access to the rear row of the books, only single rows of books are arranged in the cup board according to this invention, thus allowing an easy inspection of the books, as well as a quick finding of the latter. The cupboard is vertically closed by the front wall of the stand, so that only the contents of the withdrawn stand are accessible, whereby-a better inspection of the books is possible in large libraries and a better protection of them is obtained against dust, &c.

The constructions shown by way of example in the drawings are distinguished from each other by the different arrangements of the frame or cupboard containing the stands.

, In the construction shown in Fig. 1 the stands fill up the Whole height of the frame, the base of the cupboard being extended, so as form a support for the cases when drawn out. The extension-board (l is so hinged to the base as to form when its use is desired, Fig. 1, an extension of the base and a sliding surface for the stand, while when not in use it is turned up against the stand.

The construction shown in Fig. 2 is provided with a cupboard-base c, which serves for storing large books, maps, or the like. In such construction one side 'of this base may form when turned up the extensionsupport for the stands, or a separate plate f can be hinged to the top of the base and can, for example, be supported by adjustable legs g.

In all cases it is preferable for facilitating the withdrawal of the stands to support the ,latter on rollers h, which in the construction shown in the drawings are arranged in the bottom of the frame,-while on the bottom of the stands are arranged corresponding guide- In order to facilitate finding of the book desired, indexes are placed on the outer wall of each stand at heights corresponding to the various shelves or compartments.

The cupboards can for safetys sakebe also provided with outer double doors It.

The stands herein described can also be used in connection with an ordinary cupboard or with another piece of furnitureto form a compact article.

Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I claim is 1. In a bookcase, the combination of a retaining shell or case, a plurality of vertical cabinets having front and rear walls, the front walls forming the closing-wall of the bookcase when cabinets are pushed back, means for readily drawing out any cabinet from the front of the case to any point up to its full depth; the cabinets being constructed to have one side entirely open when so drawn out, and a hinged support in front of the case under the cabinets when so drawn out.

2. In a bookcase, the combination of a retaining shell or case, a plurality of vertical cabinets having fr'ontand rear walls, the front walls forming the closing-wall of the bookcase when cabinets are pushed back, horizontal shelves in the cabinets running in the direction of depth of case, means for readily drawing out any cabinet toward the front of the case to any point up to its full depth; the cabinets being constructed to have one side entirely open when so drawn out, and a folding supporting-shelf in front of the case, under the cabinets when so drawn out.

3. In a bookcase, the combination of a retaining shell or case, a plurality of Vertical cabinets having front and rear walls, the front walls forming the closing-wall of the bookcase when cabinets are pushed back, horizontal shelves in the cabinets running in the direction of depth of case, means for readily drawing out any cabinet toward the front of the case to any point up to its full depth; the cabinets being constructed to have one side entirely open when so drawn out, a support under the cabinets when so drawn out, and doors hinged to the case and inclosing the cabinets and support when closed.

In testimony whereof I affix my signature in presence of two witnesses.

ERIOH VON DER GROEBEN.

\Vitnesses:

HENRY HAsPER, WOLDEMAR HAUPT. 

